The Galway Continental Christmas Market
A winter wonderland is set to descend on Eyre Square with the welcome return of the Galway Christmas Market 2011. The market opens in the heart of the city centre on Friday November 25th and runs until Sunday December 18th. A plethora of delicious treats and artisan gifts will be on offer in the traditional chalet style Christmas village.
Kids amusements and all manner of festive activities will also be on hand to get families into the Christmas Spirit. So whether you are looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, wrap your hands around a cup of spiced Gluwein or make that all important trip to see Santa, come down and join the celebrations!
Market Opening Hours
Mon - Wed: 11am - 8pm
Thurs - Sun: 10am - 10pm
CHRISTMAS LANTERN PARADE
The Christmas Lantern Parade – in association with The Skeff bar, promises to be one of the highlights of Galway’s festive season and we want you to join us!
Lantern Making workshops for children are running in the Market on Friday 9th and 16th from 5.30pm -7pm as well as at the Galway Youth Café on Tuesday 6th and 13th from 4pm – 6pm. Facilitators from Foroige’s Artist in Residency Programme will be on hand to help you design and create your very own Christmas Lantern ahead of the parade on Saturday 17th . Each lantern making session is €3 per person and all proceeds will go to Galway Youth Cafe .
The stunning parade itself will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday 17th December, as a host of exquisite hand-made lanterns form the procession that will make its way along Quay Street, Shop Street and finishing up in the Galway Christmas Market, all to the beat of Galway’s Funky Drummers!
After the parade, why not pick out a cosy spot by the fire in The Skeff to warm your frosty fingers and indulge in a creamy hot chocolate or spend some time browsing for gifts at this year’s market.
So if you want to join in, call in to one of our workshops or e-mail info@milestoneinventive.com for more details of how you can sign up for this magical Christmas Event.
Santa's Grotto
Santa Claus is coming to town…. for four weekends in the lead up to Christmas Santa will return to his fabulous Grotto at Galway Continental Christmas Market bringing festive fun and Christmas cheer to all who visit. Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and the elves will welcome you to their wonderful Christmas cabin where young kids and big kids alike will enjoy a very special visit with the man in red, you may even hear the elves and Santa Claus singing an impromptu version of Jingle Bells as they await your arrival. A visit with Santa is €8 per child including a fabulous gift, an optional professional photo provided by Photo one Studios is €6. Proceeds from Santa’s Grotto will support the work of both EnableIreland and Childline in Galway.
Santa's Grotto Opening Hours
Fridays: 4pm - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday : 12pm - 6pm
*Dec 8th: 12pm - 7pm
